Goethe B1 Exam Format: Complete Guide

·Goethe-Zertifikat B1

Key takeaways

  • Goethe-Zertifikat B1 certifies CEFR B1 (intermediate).
  • Four skills: Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen — 100 points total.
  • Typical duration: ~2 h 15 min written + ~15 min speaking.
  • This guide lives on b1.goetheprep.com — the B1 prep site.

Preparing for Goethe-Zertifikat B1? This guide on b1.goetheprep.com explains the official B1 structure. German citizenship, many employers, and Studienkolleg preparation.

What the B1 exam tests

  • Lesen: 5 Teile — matching, MCQ, gap-fill
  • Hören: 4 Teile — conversations, interviews
  • Schreiben: 2 texts (~80 words each)
  • Sprechen: planning, presentation, discussion

Scoring

Each skill is worth 25 points (100 total). You generally need ≥60 overall with minimums in Schreiben and Sprechen. See our passing score guide.

Prepare with the app

GoethePrep includes seven B1-format practice exams with audio, writing review, and stats — download on the App Store.

Studying a different level? Visit goetheprep.com for A1–C2.